Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meals and Drinks

Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Meals and Drinks offers a relaxing yet adventurous way to experience the island’s famous beauty. For around $79 per person, you’ll spend five hours aboard a luxury catamaran, exploring iconic sights like the Red and White Beaches, soaking in the hot springs, and enjoying a delicious Greek meal. The tour departs from either Vlychada Port or Ammoudi, depending on whether you choose the morning or sunset cruise.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized attention—the small group size, usually around 21 guests, ensures a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the crew’s hospitality is often praised for being friendly, attentive, and well-informed, turning a scenic cruise into a genuine local adventure. The beautiful views of Santorini’s cliffs and caldera, combined with the opportunity to snorkel amid marine life, make this a memorable outing.

A potential drawback is that the group size is limited to small numbers, which is generally a plus, but it might feel crowded during peak season or on busy days. Also, since the cruise involves swimming and snorkeling, you’ll want to be comfortable in the water.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a well-organized, scenic outing with good food and a chance to see Santorini from the water. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to combine sightseeing with relaxation—especially if you enjoy culinary treats and stunning sunsets—this cruise is a smart choice.

Key Points

• Luxury Experience: Well-designed, spacious catamaran with high-end finishes and comfortable lounging areas.
• Scenic Stops: Visits to Red and White Beaches, hot springs, and the caldera, with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food & Drinks: BBQ buffet including chicken, pasta, Greek salad, appetizers, and drinks such as white wine and bottled water.
• Flexible Scheduling: Options for morning or sunset departure, with pickup service included.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Small group numbers foster more personal service and relaxed vibes.
• Expert Crew: Guests frequently cite the crew’s friendliness, professionalism, and local knowledge.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Santorini Catamaran Cruise Experience

Setting the Scene: Santorini’s Coast Seen from the Water

The joy of this tour begins well before you step on board. Whether you’re staying in Fira, Oia, Kamari, or another part of the island, the hotel pickup service by a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan makes the start hassle-free. It’s a thoughtful touch that saves you the trouble of navigating public transport or taxis with luggage or kids.

Once at the port—either Vlychada or Ammoudi depending on your chosen cruise—you’ll be greeted by a sleek, modern catamaran waiting to whisk you away. The boat itself is designed for comfort and style, with an expansive upper sundeck perfect for soaking up the sun and absorbing the views, and a cool, shaded interior for relaxing out of the sun. Inside, a refined lounge offers a quiet space to unwind, with plush seating, natural light, and modern amenities.

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

The itinerary is carefully curated to maximize your time enjoying Santorini’s natural beauty and geological marvels. On the morning cruise, you’ll depart from Ammoudi and later return to Vlyhada, while the sunset cruise starts at Vlyhada and ends at Ammoudi. The flow is designed to showcase the most iconic sights from the water.

Your first stop might be the Red and White Beaches, famous for their dramatic volcanic formations. These beaches are not just scenic but tell the story of Santorini’s volcanic past. You’ll appreciate how the geological variety—from crimson sands to white cliffs—adds to the visual spectacle.

Next, the boat glides on to Mesa Pigadia Beach, a black sand hideaway known for its caves and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can jump in for a swim or snorkel, exploring the marine life and volcanic formations beneath the surface.

A highlight of the cruise is passing by the Venetian Lighthouse and Indian Rocks, both providing picture-perfect moments that you’ll want to capture. The crew often has local stories or interesting facts about these landmarks, making the experience more personal.

Hot Springs and Snorkeling

A major draw is the stop at the Hot Springs. Sulfuric waters are believed to have therapeutic qualities, and many guests take the opportunity for a dip. The crew supplies snorkel gear, so you can explore the volcanic undersea landscape. Some reviews mention that safety jackets and rental options could be improved, but overall, snorkeling here is a highlight for most.

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The Food: A Greek Meal at Sea

One of the biggest surprises is the quality of the onboard BBQ buffet. The menu includes chicken fillet, pasta with tomato sauce, and Greek salad, served fresh and hot. Appetizers and drinks—white wine, bottled water, and soft drinks—are included, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worry.

Guests consistently praise the homemade, freshly prepared food, describing it as tasty and satisfying, especially after swimming. The crew’s hospitality shines through in the attentive service and willingness to cater to dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.

Sunset or Morning: Your Choice of Experience

The tour offers two options: a morning cruise, which provides a different perspective of Santorini’s coast, and a sunset cruise, which is often highlighted as the more romantic and visually stunning option. Many reviewers note that the sunset trip offers breathtaking views as the sun dips into the Aegean, casting warm hues over the caldera and villages.

The Crew and Service

Throughout our research, and from the many reviews, it’s clear the crew makes a significant difference. Guests frequently mention crew members like Niko, Artimas, or Pavlos for their friendliness, professionalism, and local knowledge. They go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable, safe, and well-informed, which elevates the entire experience.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• The cruise lasts about 5 hours, so wear comfortable swimwear, sunscreen, and bring sunglasses.
• For snorkeling, bring your own gear if you prefer, though equipment is provided.
• Remember, pets, oversize luggage, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
• If you’re a cruise ship passenger, note that you must take the cable car from Fira’s Old Port to reach the meeting point, as there’s no road access directly from the port.
• Vegetarian options are available, but it’s good to notify the crew in advance if you have dietary restrictions.

Authenticity and Value

While the price is modest, the value is high. You get a well-organized tour with multiple engaging stops, a quality meal, drinks, and the chance to see Santorini from a rare perspective—the water. Many reviews mention that the experience is worth the cost, especially considering the small group size, personalized service, and beautiful scenery.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water with a touch of adventure. It suits those who enjoy good food, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets, especially if you prefer small groups over large, crowded boats. It’s also a good pick for families with children over 12 who are comfortable swimming, and for anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with a leisurely meal.

If you’re after a romantic outing or a memorable family adventure with plenty of photo opportunities, this cruise delivers. However, if you’re looking for a wild party or highly energetic activity, this may feel a bit subdued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off via a luxury minivan, a scenic cruise aboard a premium catamaran, a BBQ buffet meal, drinks including wine, snorkeling gear, towels, and hosting by a friendly, English-speaking crew.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts about 5 hours, with specific start times depending on whether you choose the morning or sunset option. Check availability for exact departure times.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a windbreaker in case it gets breezy. Towels are provided, but you might want to bring your own if you prefer a specific one.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?
Yes. The itinerary includes stops at beaches and hot springs where swimming and snorkeling are possible. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but you’re welcome to bring your own gear.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Vegetarian meals are available, but it’s advisable to inform the tour provider in advance to accommodate dietary needs.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Be comfortable in the water as snorkeling and swimming are part of the experience.

To sum it up, this Santorini catamaran cruise strikes a fine balance between comfort, scenic beauty, and authentic local flavor. It’s well-suited for those who want to see the island from the water without sacrificing good food, friendly service, or stunning views. The small group setup, quality amenities, and knowledgeable crew make it a memorable part of any trip to this remarkable island. Whether you choose the morning serenity or the sunset romance, this cruise offers a genuine taste of Santorini’s captivating charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: